Free Dental Directory of Diseases, Aliments and Solutions

Aching teeth can be result of a broad variety of causes; however, the following symptoms are the most common:

• Constant Throbbing
• Pain When Chewing
• After Routine Dental Work
• Wisdom Teeth

Constant Throbbing:

There are two primary sources of tooth pain: 

• the nerve inside the tooth (contained in the pulp)
• the ligament surrounding the tooth

If either is damaged, irritated or inflamed, then constant throbbing may be the result.  Damage or infection of the pulp may be caused by a cavity, a blow to the tooth, traumatic biting forces, or something unknown.

            Treatment:

If the tooth pulp is irreversibly damaged or has become infected, then root canal therapy and/or antibiotics may be needed to stop the pain.

Gum disease may cause inflammation or infection of the ligament that surrounds and cushions the roots of your teeth. In severe cases, this disease may cause constant and severe pain.

             Treatment:

Antibiotics, the draining of abscesses, root canal therapy, or periodontal therapy by your hygienist and dentist (root planing followed by periodontal surgery) may be necessary to eliminate pain.

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Pain When Chewing:

The most common causes of pain when chewing are:

• a cracked tooth or filling
• a bad bite that causes inflammation of the ligament surrounding the tooth
• infection or damage to the pulp of the tooth

            Treatment:

After the specific diagnosis is made by your Dentist, a new filling or crown, root canal therapy, or periodontal therapy may solve the problem.

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After Routine Dental Work:

Some discomfort is common after routine dental work, especially after the anesthetic wears off; however, throbbing pain is not normally associated with routine dental work.

            Treatment:

Contact your Dentist for advice; he may prescribe stronger medication.

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Wisdom Teeth:

Wisdom first appear in the mouth in the late teen years.  As they come into the mouth, food may collect around the tooth and cause the gums around the tooth to become infected.  This is one of the most common dental emergencies.

            Treatment:

Visit your Dentist immediately.  Although the long-term solution may be having your wisdom teeth removed, thorough rinsing of the area and appropriate antibiotics may eliminate your pain for the short term.

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